FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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Thinking about donating a kidney? You probably have questions. Here are some of the most common ones—with honest, helpful answers.

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1. Why would someone donate a kidney while they’re still alive?

Because it saves lives. Patients with kidney failure often wait years for a transplant. A living kidney donor offers them a chance to get off dialysis sooner—with a kidney that typically lasts longer and works better.

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2. Do I really only need one kidney to live?

Yes. Most people are born with two kidneys, but you only need one healthy kidney to live a full, normal life.

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3. Who can be a living kidney donor?

There is no age limit for donating a kidney.  You just need to be in good physical and mental health. You’ll go through a full medical screening to make sure donating is safe for you and the person receiving your kidney.

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4. What’s the process like?

It usually involves:

• A health questionnaire and lab tests

• A full medical and psychological evaluation

• Approval by a transplant team

• Scheduling surgery if you’re cleared to donate

You’re supported every step of the way.

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5. Will it cost me anything?

No. The recipient’s insurance covers your medical expenses for evaluation, surgery, and follow-up. You may qualify for help with travel, lodging, and lost wages through donor assistance programs.

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6. How long does it take to recover?

Most donors go home within 1–3 days after surgery and return to normal activities in 4–6 weeks. Many are back to work in 2–4 weeks, depending on the job.

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7. Is it risky?

All surgery carries some risk, but major complications are rare. Most donors go on to live healthy lives. Your remaining kidney grows slightly and takes over the work of both.

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8. Will this affect my daily life?

Not at all in the long run. You’ll live with one kidney, but your life expectancy and health outlook remain the same. You’ll have yearly check-ups to monitor your kidney function.

 

9. Can I still have children if I donate?

Yes. Many women have healthy pregnancies after donating. Just let your doctor know you’re a kidney donor so they can monitor you more closely during pregnancy.

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10. Do I have to be related to the person I donate to?

No. You can donate to a friend, coworker, spouse—or even a stranger. Non-directed (anonymous) donors are incredibly valuable and deeply appreciated.

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11. What if I’m not a match?

You can still help through a Kidney Paired Exchange—a program that matches incompatible donor/recipient pairs with others in the same situation so everyone gets a compatible transplant.

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 12. Will it affect my insurance?

Federal law prohibits health insurers from denying coverage or raising premiums because you were a donor. Still, it’s wise to check with your provider.

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13. Can I change my mind?

Yes. You can decide not to donate at any point. The process is completely voluntary, and your privacy and choice will be fully respected.

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14. What do donors say afterward?

Many say it’s one of the most meaningful things they’ve ever done. You’re giving someone a second chance at life—and most donors feel just as grateful as the recipients.

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15. Why are living kidney donors needed?

There aren’t enough kidneys available for the people who need one. The numbers say it all:

 

• Over 100,000 people in the U.S. are waiting for a kidney transplant.

• In 2021, only 24,669 people received a kidney.

• Over 75,000 individuals did not receive a kidney and are still waiting.

• The transplant waiting list keeps growing: every 14 minutes, someone new joins the list.

• The average wait time for a deceased donor kidney is 3-5 years and can be up to 8-10 years.

• About 13 people on the transplant list die EVERY DAY waiting for a kidney.

 

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